Trunk Mount Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2015 Audi A8

Question:

Hello, I am looking at buying the TH65JV to carry 2 road bikes. Do you see me having any issues doing this. i need to transport 2 bikes and i did not want a roof rack as i know i would forget the bikes are there and run into my garage. lol Anyways any input you could give me would be most appreciated.

asked by: James

Expert Reply:

You definitely don't want to run your road bikes into the garage! Since we can eliminate the roof rack as an option that leaves trunk mount bike racks for your 2015 Audi A8.

This is such a nice vehicle that I recommend going with a bike rack that is light weight and that makes as little contact with the vehicle as possible. The Thule OutWay # TH65JV does fit your A8 but I do not recommend it because it is heavy at over 40 pounds and could deform the rear bumper of the vehicle once the bikes are loaded.

What I recommend is the Yakima FullBack # Y02634. This bike rack weighs just 21 pounds, has a built-in cables lock for the bikes, and a passive security strap to deter bike rack theft. The ZipStrip straps are easy to use and you are less likely to over tighten them like is possible with rubber straps. I have linked a video review of this bike rack for you.

With any bike rack you will want to load the heaviest bike first.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) or a carbon frame then I recommend using bike adapter bar # 64005. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.

One tip I can offer on trunk mount racks is to make sure the rack and vehicle are clean where they come into contact with each other to avoid any abrasions to the paint. A coat of wax in these areas will also help.